Question

the electron transport system (ETS) use molecules like FAD+ and NAD+ as electron shuttles to bring electrons and protons to the ETS in order to pump protons across the Membrane. why is pumping protons important for generating energy rich molecules like ATP?

A. the protons react with glucose and the ATP synthase enzyme which turns like a windmill producing ATP ADP to make ATP

B. the electrons combine with oxygen to make water

C. the ATP synthase is an enzyme that catabolizes glucose molecules to make ATP

D. the proton motive force is generated where the crowed protons are forced to travel through the ATP synthase enzyme which turns like a windmill producing ATP

E the protons all on one side of the membrane make an acidic compartment that allow enzymes to lower the energy of activation

Answer 1

the NADH and FADH2 are oxidized by electron transport chain using the energy of the electrons from these coenzymes H+ from the mitochondrial matrix is pumped to the inner membrane space and H+ gradient is generated, the energy stored in the H+ gradient is used by the ATP synthase to synthesize ATP, that is proton motive force of the H+ gradient powers the synthesis of ATP from ADP and Pi.

reduction of oxygen to water occurs at the complex IV of the electron transport chain.

so the answer is D. the proton motive force is generated where the crowed protons are forced to travel through the ATP synthase enzyme which turns like a windmill producing ATP